Discover Australia and New Zealand in 30 days

Day 1 – Welcome to Melbourne

Melbourne is known as Australia’s cultural and culinary capital, and for good reason: it offers some of the best restaurants and theatres in the country. Nature is also close by, and from Melbourne you can see some amazing natural attractions.

Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will meet you and take you to your hotel in the city centre.

Flights to Melbourne usually arrive early in the morning, and we have arranged for you to check in straight to your room and rest after long flights. In the afternoon, you can already explore the sights of the city centre.

Day 2 – Melbourne’s laneways, cafes and culture

Explore the city in a different way and embark on a four-hour walking tour through the iconic laneways of the city centre. In the process, you’ll get to taste the flavours of Melbourne and get to know this multicultural city even better.

Your guide will show you where to find the city’s hidden gems, while sharing the rich stories and sights of the city’s diverse communities.

Day 3 – Great Ocean Road

Embark on a full-day excursion to the stunning landscapes of the Great Ocean Road. See Australian wildlife as you walk through a wildlife sanctuary.

Along the way, your guide will share secrets about the area and the plants and animals that call the Otways home.

Immerse yourself in nature on a one-hour guided walk through the magical Otways bushland, where you will see lush ferns, explore eucalyptus forests and admire stunning ocean views.

This tour offers something unique and unparalleled for those who want to travel in style and comfort. A bespoke luxury vehicle and a tailored itinerary will give you the best experience in a small, like-minded group.

Note: The program may vary depending on the day of the week and tour availability.

Day 4 – Free day in Melbourne

Explore Melbourne’s vibrant city at your own pace and visit Federation Square, the shopping district on Bourke Street. Visit the Botanic Gardens at Queen Victoria Market and admire the views from the top of the Eureka Tower.

You can also use the trams for free in the CBD. We recommend starting your day on the historic Melbourne City Circle tram, which runs around the city and offers a sightseeing tour. You don’t need to book in advance or get on and off at any time.

Melbourne is known for its great coffee and its many restaurants. Here you will find almost every cuisine, as well as world-famous restaurateurs and their top restaurants.

Ask for more information, and we will book a table for you.

Photo Credit: Voyages – As custodians of the land, Anangu hold the Mala story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru. To share their story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru, RAMUS designed and produced an artistic platform using drones, light and sound to create an immersive storytelling experience.

Day 5 – Flight to Uluru, Wintjiri Wiru under the stars

You start your day early in the morning with a transfer to the airport and a flight to Uluru, the heart of Australia.

After arrival, a shuttle from Ayers Rock Airport to Ayers Rock Resort, where you will stay for the next two nights.

You will be surrounded by a stunning desert landscape and Australia’s most famous landmark, Uluru.

Before sunset, enjoy canapés and cocktails under the Australian starry sky. As the sun sets, the highlight of the evening begins – Wintjiri Wiru, which means ‘beautiful view of the horizon’ in the local Pitjantjatjara language.

This breathtaking cultural storytelling experience brings to life a chapter of the ancestral Mala story through choreographed drones, lasers and projections that illuminate the night sky. A story that has been handed down for thousands of generations is now passed on to you.

Enjoy local produce on a picnic under the stars, paired with Australian wines. Return to the resort after the show.

Day 6 – Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Your day will begin early with a sunrise tour to Kata Tjuta, where you can enjoy your morning coffee or tea while taking in the stunning desert colours. During the tour, you will learn about sacred Aboriginal sites and the indigenous people and their culture.

Later in the day, you will join a group excursion to visit Uluru during the afternoon or sunset. Please keep in mind that the order of the tours may be subject to change to suit the time of year, but you will receive confirmation at the time of booking.

Day 7 – Welcome to the Tropics

The journey continues in the morning towards the northern beaches and Cairns. Upon arrival in Cairns, your driver will take you to your hotel.

Depending on your preferences, accommodation will be in Cairns city, Palm Cove beach or Port Douglas.

Depending on your flight schedule, you can add an optional sunrise camel safari to the landscapes of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Many of our customers have found this experience to be a highlight of their trip, and we recommend adding it to your itinerary.

Day 8 – The Great Barrier Reef

Join the group in the morning and head to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.

Spend the day snorkelling and discovering the world’s largest coral reef system. If you prefer to stay dry, you can witness the wonders through a glass-bottom boat.

Scuba diving is also an option for those interested. Experienced divers, please ask about our diving tours!

Day 9 – Excursion to The Daintree Rainforest

Join us on a day trip to explore the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation.

This experience will allow you to immerse yourself in nature, visit beautiful waterfalls, and learn about the rich Aboriginal culture and history.

We will take a short river cruise on the Mossman River, which lasts approximately an hour. While on the river, you might even spot local wildlife, such as crocodiles and various bird species in their natural habitat.

If the weather allows, you can swim in the clear waters of the Mossman Gorge, so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit!

Day 10 – Last day in the Tropics

You have the freedom to choose whether you want to participate in activities or relax, depending on your preference.

Various optional tours are available, such as a food and drink tour to visit local producers, a Brewery walking tour in Cairns, scenic helicopter rides over the reef, or a visit to a Crocodile farm.

The day is yours, and we will plan your itinerary based on your preferences. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Optional excursion recommendation: Kuranda Scenic Railway and Waterfalls

Day 11 – Off to Sydney and Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and continue your journey by flight to Sydney.

Upon arrival at Sydney Airport, your driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. After check-in, you can relax in your room and recharge after your flight or explore your surroundings.

The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of many landmarks, including the world-famous Sydney Opera House.

In the evening, experience the beauty of Sydney Harbour on a dinner cruise and enjoy the enchanting city lights as the sun sets.

Day 12 – Sydney Opera House and The Rocks

Today, you have the opportunity to visit the iconic Sydney Opera House and take a guided tour inside where you can learn about its history and listen to fascinating stories about the building.

Then join us for a walking tour of The Rocks area. The Rocks area is the oldest part of Sydney, and you will learn about the history of the city.

Please note that the order of the tours may be subject to change and will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Day 13 – Blue Mountains

Join a small group tour to experience the breathtaking landscapes and rainforests of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Blue Mountains.

Some of the tour’s highlights include seeing the famous “Three Sisters” and visiting Scenic World. At Scenic World, you’ll have the opportunity to ride two different cable cars, take the steepest train in the world, and explore several stunning walking trails.

The tour also includes a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park, where you can interact with kangaroos and koalas.

Finally, wrap up your adventure-filled day with a river cruise back through Darling Harbour.

Day 14 – A free day in Sydney

If you enjoy walking, we recommend taking the scenic waterfront route from Woolloomooloo to Anzac Bridge. This 11 km path takes you along the Harbour’s edge past landmarks like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Botanical Gardens and Darling Harbour.

You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the Barangaroo restaurants or explore the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium.

Other great attractions in Sydney include Chinatown, the Taronga Zoo, and the historic Rocks district. Alternatively, you could take a ferry to Manly Beach, check out world-famous Bondi Beach or visit the Sydney Tower for breathtaking views.

Day 15 – Welcome to Queenstown

After your transfer to Sydney Airport, you will fly to Queenstown, New Zealand.

Upon arrival at Queenstown Airport, pick up your rental car and drive the short distance to your hotel. (If you do not wish to drive, we will make other arrangements in lieu of driving)

You can explore the area on foot and discover some great restaurants, such as the Stratosfare Restaurant, which offers amazing views – let us know if you would like assistance in making a table reservation!

Day 16 – The Adventure Capital

Queenstown is known as the “Adventure Capital” with plenty of exciting activities.

You can start by taking the gondola up the mountain from the town centre to enjoy stunning views of the town, lake, and mountains.

Alternatively, you can join a cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the steamboat TTS Earnslaw.

For the adventurous, there are options such as jetboating, rafting, ziplining, and mountain biking.

If you prefer more relaxed activities, you can go fishing, canoeing, cycling, or visit the area’s vineyards.

During summer, golfing in the beautiful scenery is popular, while during winter, you can go skiing at one of the many ski resorts in the area.

Day 17 – Milford Sound and Te Anau

Today you will start early in the morning with a two-hour drive to Te Anau, where you will spend the next night.

You will arrive in Te Anau before 10am and join the group for a Milford Sound tour. The tour includes coach transport, a cruise on the fjord and a light lunch.

Return to Te Anau and check into your hotel.

Day 18 – One of New Zealand’s best road trips

After breakfast, continue your journey towards Dunedin.

The drive from Te Anau to Dunedin is a scenic 290 km (approximately 3.5-4 hours) through rolling farmland, rugged coastline and quaint country towns. Leaving Te Anau, you’ll pass through Mossburn, known for its deer farms, before reaching Lumsden, a great stop for a coffee.

The route, through Gore, famous for its fly fishing and country music, offers a mix of lush pastures and the open plains of Southland. As you head towards Dunedin, the landscape changes to the coastal Otago region, with its historic architecture, wildlife and dramatic sea cliffs, making for a varied and picturesque journey.

When you arrive in Dunedin, we recommend stopping at Signal Hill Lookout to get a sense of your surroundings before heading to your hotel.

Dunedin, New Zealand’s oldest city, boasts an impressive collection of Edwardian and Victorian buildings, including the architectural masterpiece of Dunedin Railway Station.

Wander around the city and explore attractions such as the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum to learn about the history of the region and its people.

Additionally, Dunedin is a UNESCO City of Literature, offering literary walking tours and visits to the “Hard-to-Find Bookstore” or the University Bookstore.

Despite its small size, Dunedin is a vibrant university town with a wide range of activities for everyone, including galleries, street art, museums, restaurants, open-air cafes and bars.

Optional penguin viewing tour in the evening.

Day 19 – Nature and Wildlife

Enjoy postcard-perfect views of the harbour and coastline as you travel past charming communities and rural farms. Spot waders as your minibus explores the peninsula and wetland ecosystems.

Your first main stop is at a secluded and beautiful beach. A short walk from the minibus will take you to dramatic views of rugged coastal cliffs, offshore islands and hopefully some huge sea lions – the large males weigh almost half a ton.

The journey continues by bus to Wellers Rock Wharf, where you’ll take a Monarch Wildlife Cruise. From the harbour, you’ll travel around Taiaroa Head and out to sea. Watch as royal albatrosses glide over the water with their three-metre wingspans and return to their breeding colony on the hillside. Below the historic lighthouse is a colony of playful fur seals. You’ll see other rare seabirds and occasionally spot tiny blue penguins or other marine mammals.

The final stop is The OPERA – a nature reserve dedicated to saving the world’s rarest penguin, the yellow-eyed penguin. Your guide will take you for a brief look at the on-site rehabilitation centre before heading into the reserve. You will follow paths through the wild bush and walk to various viewing points scattered throughout the reserve. We hope to see penguins in the reserve or watch them return to land after fishing at sea. During the tour, your guide will also tell you about the conservation work being done to save this special penguin species.

The tour ends with a leisurely drive along Otago Harbour back to Dunedin.

Day 20 – Lake Tekapo and Stargazing

Today the journey continues towards Lake Tekapo. On the way you can make an extra detour through Aoraki Village if you wish, the scenery is just as spectacular at Lake Tekapo.

The drive from Dunedin to Lake Tekapo via Aoraki / Mount Cook Village takes about 6-7 hours without any longer stops, but it is definitely worth taking your time, as the scenery is stunning the whole way. You can also drive directly to Tekapo, which takes about 3.5-4 hours.

In the evening, see the magnificent starry sky of the Southern Hemisphere. Tekapo Star Gazing is the only guided hot spring and stargazing experience in New Zealand, offering the best possible relaxation among the stars. The Soak in the Stars stargazing tour operates in the famous grounds of Tekapo Springs, combining the stunning Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve with the soul-warming hot springs.

This 90-minute guided indoor and/or outdoor tour will introduce you to the magnificent night sky of Tekapo through a unique blend of astronomy and storytelling. Afterwards, you will enjoy a 37.5-38.5°C hot water pool; while floating in the pool, you will feel like you are under the stars as you explore the wonder of the night sky!

Day 21 – To Christchurch

After your buffet breakfast, continue your drive to Christchurch, the Garden City.

Before you leave Tekapo, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the sheepdog statue is highly recommended for some fantastic photo opportunities. With over 25 million sheep in New Zealand, you’ll see plenty of them on your drive.

Once you arrive in Christchurch, simply return the car and head to your hotel. Known as “The Garden City”, Christchurch boasts over 1200 parks and gardens, offering stunning views of the green hills, the Pacific Ocean, the Canterbury Plains, and even the Southern Alps in the distance.

We suggest visiting the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens, taking a guided punting tour on the river Avon, enjoying a historic tram ride around the city, or taking a gondola up the surrounding hills. Don’t miss out on the city’s heritage sites, museums, galleries, and vibrant restaurant scene as well.

If you’re interested, we can also arrange a private, guided walking or cycling tour around the city centre. Just let us know when we prepare your quote.

Day 22 – Scenic train journey

Start your day early by boarding the Coastal Pacific scenic train to Picton and enjoy one of New Zealand’s most beautiful train journeys.

As you travel north along the Pacific coast, you’ll witness breathtaking views of secluded beaches, wineries, rugged coastlines, and stunning landscapes nestled between the sea and the mountains.

After arriving at Picton Station in the afternoon, take a short walk to catch the ferry to Wellington, which is said to be one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world.

You’ll arrive in Wellington this evening, where you’ll meet your driver who will take you to your hotel.

Day 23 – Beautiful Wellington

In the morning, take the historic cable car and admire the scenery from Kelburn’s vantage point.

Take a shuttle bus to the Zealandia Ecosanctuary, located in the heart of Wellington, and immerse yourself in a lush forest inhabited by over 40 rare species of native wildlife.

Join a tour led by a professional guide and walk amongst rare birds such as hihi, kākāriki, and takahē during the day.

By visiting Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, you will be supporting their ground-breaking conservation research and experiencing the source of the increasing native bird biodiversity in Wellington.

In the afternoon, return to the city and take a stroll around town. Wellington is a compact and walkable city, with most major attractions within a short walking distance from cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels in the downtown area, which is just 2 km across.

Day 24 – The day is yours – Wellington

When you’re visiting the capital of New Zealand, there’s plenty to keep you busy and entertained.

We highly recommend checking out the Te Papa Museum and taking a one-hour introduction tour. It’s considered one of the top museums in the world and definitely worth a visit. Admission is free and we can also arrange a tour for you if you’re interested.

If you’re a fan of famous movies like Lord of the Rings, you should check out Weta Studios. They have costumes on display for you to view. Keep in mind that the studio is located outside of the city and requires transportation via taxi or Uber.

Alternatively, we can help you book a guided tour to either Weta Workshop or to the film locations. Winery tours are also available.

Day 25 – To Rotorua

After your breakfast, your driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport for your short flight to Rotorua.

Visit the hot springs, see the geysers and explore the Māori culture. Pamper yourself with the world-famous Rotorua mud mask or a range of spa treatments (not included in the package).

Optional Experience – Redwoods Nightlights is one of New Zealand’s best design-led tourism experiences. This award-winning ecotourism walk floats 9-20 metres above the forest floor, is 700 metres long, crosses 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms, and takes around 40 minutes to complete (from the first bridge). It’s perfect for those looking for things to do in Rotorua at night!

Day 26 – Māori Culture and Hot Springs

Hell’s Gate Experience – Take a guided or self-guided interactive geothermal walk before enjoying a geothermal bath and experiencing the healing properties used by local Maori for centuries. It’s a Rotorua experience you’ll never forget.

Includes a 1.5-hour geothermal walk and Maori carving. Then enjoy a world-famous mud bath, sulphur baths and a cool plunge pool.

In the evening, join an indigenous dinner experience. Te Pō Combo begins at 4:00 PM with a guided tour of the valley, followed by a buffet dinner and cultural performance – each element designed to deepen your connection to our historic geothermal valley and immerse you in Maori culture.

Explore stunning landscapes of native bush, geysers and mud pools, and feel the natural power of Pōhutu Geyser – the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere! Your guided tour will take you through the geothermal valley, where you will also visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.

End the evening with a walk back to the geothermal landscape while sipping hot cocoa.

Day 27 – Hobbiton, Waitomo caves and Auckland

Today you will travel from Rotorua to Auckland including visiting two of iconic New Zealand attractions – Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.

The day includes a fully guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set and a sumptuous lunchtime feast in their Party Marquee. This is followed by a guided tour of the Waitomo Caves with a boat ride through the glow worm grotto.

Enjoy full commentary with insights into the areas you are travelling through and background to both Hobbiton and Waitomo caves.

The tour ends at your hotel in Auckland the same evening.

Day 28 – Waiheke Island and wineries

Take the morning ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island and join a guided tour.

Enjoy succulent fresh oysters, Waiheke olive oil and other locally produced specialties, as well as wines from some of the island’s best boutique vineyards. Your guide will provide entertaining and informative commentary along the way.

Our most popular group tour is perfect for food and wine lovers. The day begins with a visit to a boutique vineyard where you will enjoy a guided wine tasting, complemented by gourmet treats such as Te Matuku Bay oysters and local Waiheke honey.

Continue to the award-winning Allpress Estate for an informative olive oil tasting and learn about the island’s renowned olive oil production. At another vineyard, you will enjoy a wine and food pairing followed by a relaxed, family-style lunch showcasing seasonal flavours in a beautiful vineyard setting.

The final stop is at The Heke, where you can sample a variety of local beers, gins, whiskies and liqueurs.

The tour concludes with the option to return to Matiatia Wharf, or you will be dropped off at Oneroa Village to explore the area at your own pace.

Due to seasonal variations, Te Matuku oysters may not be available and will be replaced with another gourmet treat. The wineries on the itinerary may also change depending on the day of the week or the season.

Day 29 – A free day in Auckland

Spend a day in New Zealand’s largest city and visit Auckland’s Sky Tower where you will have magnificent views across the city and the harbour.

Then in the afternoon, you could visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of New Zealand and the Māori people.

Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Parnell area or take a taxi to Ponsonby.

Auckland shines as the commercial and cultural centre of New Zealand. It is situated on 50 islands and 48 dead volcanoes which make it unusual and breathtaking to behold. A stroll along the waterfront, a hike on a volcanic island, or a cruise through the glorious harbour are just a few ways to absorb the delights of the city. This city has the largest Polynesian population in the world, adding to its cosmopolitan, dynamic appeal. High-end fashion houses, sophisticated restaurants and chic bars complement the abundance of outdoor activities.

Day 30 – Where next?

Enjoy your final morning in Auckland, and your next journey awaits.

Breakfast and airport transfers are included in your package. Ask us about additional flights or accommodation options for your next destination!